saponification

[ Eng.saponify; c connective, and suff. -ation.] Chem.: A term formerly applied to the conversion of fats into soaps by the action of alkalies and metallic hydrates, the change resulting in the for mation of a salt of the fatty acid and glycerin; now extended to the decomposition of all ethers and similar compounds into acids and alcohols, and also to the resolution of glucosides by the action of dilute acids. sa-pon-1-fy, v . t . [Latin sapo (gen it. saponis ) = soap, and facio (pa . fio )=to make.] To convert into soap, by combination with an alkali. săp-o-nin, s. [Lat.sapo, gen it. sap on ( is )=soap; in ( Chem.).] Chem.: C18H24010 (?). Senegin. Polygalin. A substance first observed in the common soapwort, but now found to be widely diffused through the vegetable kingdom. Quillaja bark, horse-chestnuts, and senega root yield it in considerable quantities. The powdered substance is boiled in strong alcohol, and filtered hot; the saponin separates in flocks on cooling, and is purified by animal charcoal. It is a white friable powder, having a burning and persistently disagreeable taste, is more soluble in dilute than strong alcohol, and forms with water a frothy solution. It is often used to give an artificial froth to beer and effervescing beverages. 3549